Colts still hopeful of living their AFL dream.

In a season where young draft hopefuls were looking to show why they deserve a spot on an AFL list, the Coronavirus pandemic could not have come at a worse time.

Now with only eight games in 2020 to prove they have the talent to live their football dreams, many Colts will also be relying on what they have showed recruiters over the past few years.

With some Colts predicted to be certainties in this year’s draft, coach Simon Bergin is aware that the shortened season gives other players in his group an outside chance of an opportunity at the highest level.

‘We’ve got Colts that are in the state program and there’d be conversations that have happened with those kids’ he said.

‘Every year you see smokey’s get drafted and a lot of our players have been in the system since they were 14-years-old. My initial thoughts are that they have already had three to four years of development to show their abilities.

‘On the back of that, our kids will now have 8 games to really showcase their talents, and prove who they are as a person and as a player.’

Treating the Covid-19 lockdown as a second Christmas break, Simon and his players are looking at the positives, particularly with injured players receiving an extended rest without the temptation of playing sore.

‘It’s exciting to see them come back in really good shape’ he said. ‘The majority have come straight back into it and their skills have been super.’

‘They are ready to go as soon as the season gets up and running.’

Understanding the key importance of his role in the development of his squad, Simon was quick to compliment the backing of his players, from those who work at the club.

‘Our development program is heavily supported by the Swan Districts Football Club, from the league coach, Adam Pickering, all the way through to our talent manager, Greg Harding’ he stated. ‘With their support, the program is very good and the kids have got the best chance to develop.’

Decisions will be made throughout the coming weeks on when crowds will be allowed to return to Steel Blue Oval, with Swan Districts hopeful that this will occur by Round 1, August the 1^st.

Stay tuned to the Swan Districts website as we bring you profiles on some of the Colts we think are a chance to be picked up in this year’s AFL draft.